Inside the Scripture Pavilion.
Zhong Yun waved his feather duster, listlessly brushing dust off the bookshelves. He had originally been an ordinary young man from Earth who had accidentally transmigrated into this world of cultivation, becoming a lowly servant disciple of the Qingyun Sect. For three years, he had repeated the monotonous life of cleaning, chopping wood, and fetching water. The fire of cultivation in his heart had long since been extinguished by the cold reality of his situation.
"I say, Zhong Yun, do you still have the mind to slack off here?"
The bloated Fatty Wang waddled in, carrying a food box in his hand. "Spiritual food gifted by Elder Li. Come quickly and have a taste!"
Zhong Yun took the food box and smiled bitterly. "With our aptitude, why bother cultivating at all? Being a servant for the rest of our lives is enough."
Fatty Wang lowered his voice, feigning mystery. "Have you heard? In another month, the sect will hold its grand competition. I heard the reward this time is..." He paused deliberately. Seeing the curiosity on Zhong Yun’s face, he continued, "A Marrow Cleansing Pill!"
A Marrow Cleansing Pill!
Zhong Yun’s heart jolted violently. This was a legendary spiritual elixir, said to be able to cleanse the marrow, cut the tendons, and thoroughly reshape one's body. If he took it, perhaps he could change his fate of being unable to cultivate!
"What, tempted?" Fatty Wang winked. "Want your brother here to help you sign up?"
Zhong Yun feigned composure and shook his head. "Forget it. With my second-rate skills, I’d only be embarrassing myself if I went."
Seeing his lack of interest, Fatty Wang stopped trying to persuade him, and the two began chatting idly.
After seeing Fatty Wang off, Zhong Yun continued tidying the shelves. Suddenly, he discovered an ancient, dust-covered book in a corner. The pages were yellowed, as if they hadn't been touched in a long time. He picked it up and gently blew off the dust, only to see two large characters clearly written on the cover: *Sword Formula*.
Zhong Yun opened the pages out of curiosity, and a sense of antiquity washed over him. The book recorded an advanced set of sword techniques! He flipped through it page by page, completely mesmerized, as if a door to a new world had opened before him.
Night fell, the moonlight like water. Zhong Yun went to the back mountain alone and began to practice the techniques recorded in the *Sword Formula*. Under the moonlight, his figure appeared lonely yet firm, as if signaling that his destiny was about to reach a turning point.
Zhong Yun practiced the techniques of the *Sword Formula* move by move; sweat had long since soaked his clothes. Despite his movements being somewhat clumsy, his eyes were focused, and he poured all his heart and soul into every single strike. Under the moonlight, his figure appeared exceptionally solitary, yet it carried a stubborn resolve.
"Hah!"
With a low shout, the wooden sword in Zhong Yun’s hand, carrying a trace of faint Spiritual Qi, slashed toward the night sky. However, this Spiritual Qi was too weak; it quickly dissipated into the air without causing so much as a ripple.
Zhong Yun stopped, panting heavily, yet there was no sign of dejection on his face. He knew his aptitude was mediocre and that cultivating was harder for him than for others, but he was unwilling to give up. This *Sword Formula* was like a glimmer of dawn, reigniting the hope of cultivation in his heart.
"Although this set of sword techniques is simple, the moves are exquisite and align with the profound principles of heaven and earth. If one can master it, the power will not be underestimated."
A gravelly voice suddenly came from behind. Zhong Yun was startled and turned around in a hurry. He saw an old man in a cyan Taoist robe standing not far away, his hands behind his back, watching him with piercing eyes.
"E... Elder Li?"
Zhong Yun recognized the man before him as Elder Li, who was responsible for managing the Scripture Pavilion.
Elder Li nodded slightly, walked slowly to Zhong Yun, and asked, "What is your name?"
"Disciple Zhong Yun."
"I have observed you practicing this sword technique for several days; you are quite diligent. Why have I never seen you before?"
Zhong Yun felt anxious, his thoughts racing. Not daring to hide anything, he truthfully recounted how he had discovered the *Sword Formula*. After listening, a flash of surprise crossed Elder Li’s eyes. He pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you know the origin of this *Sword Formula*?"
Zhong Yun shook his head; he only knew that the book was very old. As for anything else, he knew nothing.
Elder Li sighed and said, "This *Sword Formula* is the Qingyun Sect's heirloom, the *Qingyun Sword Formula*. Unfortunately, for many years, no one has been able to comprehend its mysteries. Over time, it was shelved and forgotten, gathering dust."
Hearing this, Zhong Yun grew even more confused. If it was the sect’s heirloom, why would it appear in a corner of the Scripture Pavilion, covered in dust and ignored by everyone?
Seemingly seeing through Zhong Yun’s confusion, Elder Li continued: "This *Qingyun Sword Formula* is profound and extensive, but the requirements for cultivation are extremely harsh; ordinary disciples simply cannot practice it. Moreover, cultivating this sword technique requires extremely high comprehension. A single misstep could lead one to go astray and suffer a cultivation deviation."
"Then why did you..." Zhong Yun started to ask but stopped. He wanted to know: if this sword technique was so dangerous, why didn't Elder Li stop him from practicing it?
Elder Li smiled and said, "I have observed your pure character and firm will. Perhaps it is fate that you are connected to this *Sword Formula*."
Having said this, he turned and left, leaving only a single sentence echoing in the night sky: "Remember, on the path of cultivation, persistence is key, but one must also act according to one's capabilities."
Watching Elder Li’s receding back, Zhong Yun felt a sense of relief, followed immediately by a chill down his spine. He knew that Elder Li had expectations of him, and that he himself might just be one of Elder Li's experiments or investment objects. Zhong Yun gripped his wooden sword tightly and secretly vowed to himself that he must seize this opportunity and defy the heavens to change his destiny!
Back in his quarters, Zhong Yun couldn't wait to open the *Qingyun Sword Formula* and study it carefully. This time, he discovered some details he had previously overlooked. The cultivation method recorded in the book seemed to differ from ordinary techniques...
Under the dim oil lamp, Zhong Yun opened the slightly tattered *Qingyun Sword Formula*. The pages were yellowed and the ink mottled, but that could not hide the profound truth of the sword path contained within. This time, Zhong Yun calmed his mind and studied it in detail; he would not let a single character or sentence slip by.
Gradually, he discovered details he had missed before. The cultivation method recorded in the book was not the traditional method of breathing and circulating Spiritual Qi to strengthen the meridians, but rather emphasized "governing the sword with intent; the unity of heaven and man."
"Governing the sword with intent? Could it be that the essence of this Sword Formula lies in using the mind to control Spiritual Qi, rather than relying solely on the circulation of the meridians?"
A stormy sea rose in Zhong Yun’s heart. This discovery made him both excited and anxious. He was excited because, if his assumption was correct, the power of this *Qingyun Sword Formula* would far exceed his imagination. He was anxious because this method of cultivation was unheard of, and he did not know if he could succeed.
"Brother Yun, are you there?"
Outside the door came the hearty voice of Fatty Wang, interrupting Zhong Yun’s thoughts.
"Come in."
Fatty Wang pushed the door open, carrying a package. He beamed, "Brother Yun, I heard you needed some herbs, so I specifically went to the market to scout some for you. Take a look and see if any are useful."
Zhong Yun opened the package and saw it filled with various rare herbs, many of which were highly beneficial to cultivation.
"These... these are too valuable. I can't take them." Zhong Yun was moved; he knew these items represented no small expense for Fatty Wang.
"Oh, Brother Yun, why are you standing on ceremony with me? We’re brothers!" Fatty Wang shoved the package into Zhong Yun’s arms. "Besides, you’re practicing that 'divine manual' right now. Don't forget your brother when you make it big in the future!"
Zhong Yun patted Fatty Wang’s shoulder solemnly. "Don't worry, from now on, your business is my business!" He then asked, "But are you sure you don't want to cultivate this Sword Formula with me?"
"No, no. You know my aptitude is poor and I’m not as hardworking as you. Things are fine just as they are," Fatty Wang waved his hands repeatedly.
Seeing this, Zhong Yun said nothing more—it didn't matter if he was Elder Li’s man or not. With these cultivation resources, Zhong Yun became even more determined to master the *Qingyun Sword Formula*. He followed the instructions in the book and began to try and control the Spiritual Qi with his intent.
However, the process was far more difficult than he had imagined. Every attempt felt like using his entire strength to push a mountain, yet he couldn't move it even an inch. Day after day, Zhong Yun remained unable to break through the bottleneck. He began to doubt himself: did he truly lack the talent for cultivation, unable to comprehend the mysteries of the *Qingyun Sword Formula*?
Outside the window, a bright moon hung high, spilling cold moonlight. In the distance, the faint cries of night owls added a touch of bleakness to the silent night...
The cries of the night owls outside seemed to mock Zhong Yun’s futile efforts. He opened his eyes abruptly, a trace of bloodshot redness appearing in them; his face was etched with exhaustion and frustration. Was he truly going to give up?
"No, I cannot give up!"
Zhong Yun clenched his fists, a sense of unyielding fighting spirit rising within him. He remembered that he had transmigrated here from the twenty-first century as a hardcore gaming enthusiast—how could a mere roadblock defeat him?
He reopened the *Qingyun Sword Formula*. This time, he no longer fixated on the literal meaning, but tried to perceive the mysteries within using his own understanding.
Days passed; Zhong Yun seemed to forget time and everything else, throwing himself entirely into cultivation.
"Hmm? This kid..."
An old man in a long cyan robe, with the air of an immortal, appeared quietly outside Zhong Yun’s window. It was one of the Qingyun Sect elders, Elder Li. Sensing the unyielding, resilient aura emanating from Zhong Yun, a glimmer of appreciation crossed Elder Li’s eyes.
"Governing the sword with intent—the essence lies in the word 'comprehension'..." Elder Li sighed softly. Knowing that Zhong Yun had encountered a bottleneck, he decided to offer some guidance.
"Child, the path of cultivation is like sailing against the current; if you do not advance, you retreat." Elder Li’s voice brushed past Zhong Yun’s ears like a spring breeze, pulling him from his meditative state.
Zhong Yun woke with a start. Seeing Elder Li before him, he immediately bowed respectfully: "Disciple greets Elder Li."
Elder Li smiled slightly, pointed to a willow tree swaying in the wind outside the window, and asked: "Do you know why this willow branch can dance with the wind?"
Zhong Yun was stunned, then suddenly realized: "Because it follows nature and uses softness to overcome hardness."
"Not bad. Cultivation is the same. You are too fixated on controlling the Spiritual Qi and have instead neglected your own senses. Spiritual Qi is like water; you must use your heart to sense its flow and guide it, not force it."
Elder Li’s words were like a sudden enlightenment for Zhong Yun. He attempted to cultivate again. This time, he emptied his mind and used his heart to sense the flow of Spiritual Qi within his body. Gradually, he felt a faint stream of air moving slowly through his meridians, like a trickling brook; although weak, it was full of vitality.
"That's the feeling!"
Zhong Yun felt a surge of joy—he knew he had found the right direction. He continued to cultivate, and that stream of air grew stronger and stronger, eventually converging into a powerful force that surged through his body incessantly.
"Boom!"
With a soft sound, Zhong Yun felt as if something within him had broken; a powerful force erupted from his body. He had successfully broken through!
Feeling the Spiritual Qi filling his body, Zhong Yun’s eyes shone with confidence. He knew he was ready for the upcoming grand competition. This time, he would give it his all and prove his strength to everyone!
In the distance, Elder Li watched Zhong Yun bathing in the moonlight, a gratified smile on his face. This child, his future was truly limitless...